It takes me 3 months to find out the winner between Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta, and now I’m going to give you the answer. Delonghi Eletta is the final winner.
Eletta offers amazingly robust, flavorful, and aromatic espressos. I’m impressed by its milk-based beverages, especially cappuccino since the microfoam is to die for. Moreover, it has more one-touch drink options, making the coffee-making process a breeze. I recommend this model to any homeowner out there.
Now, that’s not to say the DeLonghi Magnifica S doesn’t hold its own. It also impresses with its ability to create flavorful and balanced espresso, and given its affordability, it’s indeed a great deal, especially when you consider its milk system capabilities.
Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2025-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta: Review & Comparison
Delonghi Eletta won 2 to 0 and 3 draws against Magnifica S thanks to its more convenient design and more drink options. Find out further below.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
The Winner: Tie
Grinder
First off, it’s worth noting that both models come equipped with conical burr grinders that offer 13 different grind levels. This is a significant advantage, especially considering these machines fall into the entry-level category. Typically, you’d expect fewer grind options in this price range. But it is normal for DeLonghi.
However, I found that not all of these 13 grind settings work great. When using the two finest levels, the grinder can struggle and even jam.
Another aspect to consider is the noise level. Both the Eletta and the Magnifica S grinders can be quite loud. If you’re sharing a space or simply want to enjoy your coffee quietly in the early morning or during late-night cravings, this could be a concern. The noise might be a deal-breaker for some.
One feature that stands out and is quite practical is the ability to use pre-ground coffee. This can be a lifesaver if you run out of whole beans or want to switch between different types of coffee without emptying the grinder.
Heating System
These machines use 2 Thermoblocks heating system, which ensures that the water heats up to high temperature quickly. Despite the similarity in their heating system, I still find some slight differences in their performances.
The DeLonghi Eletta truly excels in temperature control. When I brewed coffee with it, I consistently got a piping hot cup of coffee, and even when steaming milk, the results were consistently hot and steamy.
On the other hand, the DeLonghi Magnifica S, while still delivering hot coffee, doesn’t quite reach the same level of scalding heat as the Eletta.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: DeLonghi Eletta
Dimensions & Weight
| DeLonghi Eletta | DeLonghi Magnifica S | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (wxdxh) | 260x360x460 mm | 230x430x340 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 9 kg |
In terms of dimensions, these machines have a real knack for fitting seamlessly into kitchen spaces. They have a compact design that allows them to sit comfortably underneath kitchen cabinets.
However, the DeLonghi Eletta and the Magnifica S are constructed primarily from plastic. While this is a trade-off for cost savings and results in a more budget-friendly price point, it does mean that they may not have the same build quality and durability as some higher-end machines. However, for their price and functionality, I really rate this thing right.
User Interface
The DeLonghi Magnifica S is a bit more on the basic side when it comes to its interface. You won’t find any fancy touchscreen displays or high-tech features here. Instead, it offers a selection of buttons on the side and a central rotational dial in the middle.
When it comes to making beverages, you’ll need to take a more hands-on approach and do it manually, rather than simply pressing a button and letting the machine work its magic. Yes, it doesn’t have preset buttons for crafting cappuccinos, lattes, or other fancy drinks.
Additionally, there’s a knob-twister on the left side of the machine. This nifty knob allows you to switch between hot water and steam.
The user interface of the DeLonghi Eletta is also very basic. It has a combination of buttons and an LED text display to navigate its features. Unlike the Magnifica S, not all of the Eletta’s functions are conveniently laid out with individual buttons. Instead, you’ll find that some of its buttons serve as menus, and you’ll need to access these menus to unlock the full range of the device’s utilities.
Capacity
| DeLonghi Eletta | DeLonghi Magnifica S | |
|---|---|---|
| Water tank capacity | 2 L | 1.8 L |
| Capacity waste container | 14 servings | 14 servings |
| Coffee bean capacity | 400g | 250g |
DeLonghi Eletta and Magnifica S’s capacity is pretty spot-on for home use. Considering their small size, that capacity is quite impressive.
Although I still have to top up those tanks quite often, it’s no biggie because these machines have a cool front-loading setup. That means we can easily get to the water tank, the drip tray, and the coffee grounds container right from the front. It’s hassle-free for refilling and emptying.
Milk System
The Winner: Tie
When it comes to milk frothing, the DeLonghi Eletta and Magnifica S have different approaches, and it really comes down to personal preference.
The Eletta rocks DeLonghi’s LatteCrema system for automatic frothing. It’s pretty neat because it includes a milk carafe and a dispensing wand. You can even store the LatteCrema milk carafe in the fridge.
What I really dig is the dial on the carafe that lets you fine-tune your milk foam consistency. Plus, after it’s done frothing, you can set it to the clean position, and the machine will purge the hot water through the pipe to clean it.
Meanwhile, the Magnifica S comes with a Panarello wand for manual steaming. I personally prefer this because it gives me complete control over the texture and temperature of my milk. However, it’s not as hands-off as the Eletta’s system. You’ll need to hold your cup up to the steamer, especially since the wand height isn’t adjustable.
You can remove the Panarello cover. This transforms into a more traditional steam wand. That’s able to create steamed milk. It also makes cleaning a breeze.
As you gain more experience, you might really appreciate the manual frothing feature for its customization options. You can achieve foam exactly the way you like it, which can be a bit tricky with automatic frothers. But manual frothing can be a bit finicky, especially if you’re new to it. If you prefer a more straightforward, hands-off approach, the LatteCrema system on the Eletta is a solid choice.
In the end, it’s not about one being better than the other; it’s all about what suits your style and needs.
Drink Options & Programmability
The Winner: DeLonghi Elette
Drink Options
| DeLonghi Eletta | DeLonghi Magnifica S |
|---|---|
| Espresso Long Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Caffelatte Flat White | Espresso 2 x Espresso Long Coffee 2x Long Coffee |
The DeLonghi Eletta comes out on top in terms of drink variety. It caters particularly well to folks who enjoy milk-based drinks since it offers more milk-based options compared to its counterpart.
DeLonghi Magnifica S simplifies things a bit. It just offers one-touch drinks like Espresso, 2x Espresso, Long Coffee, and 2x Long Coffee. Of course, you can still craft other beverages using the Panarello wand and the espresso shot, but you won’t find them as preset programs. In this case, you have to know the ratio.
One point to be aware of is that while the Magnifica S mentions 2x Espresso and 2x Coffee, it uses the same coffee quantity. So, you won’t end up with a double-strength coffee; you’ll simply get a double quantity of coffee. Keep that in mind if you’re looking for a bolder brew.
Lastly, it’s worth highlighting that both of these machines allow you to fine-tune your coffee experience by adjusting both the coffee strength and coffee length.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The Winner: Tie
Both the DeLonghi Eletta and the Magnifica S offer the convenience of using a water filter, and it’s a handy feature, especially if you’re using tap water. Or if you prefer not to use the filter, you can simply pour filtered water directly into the tank and skip the filter.
Inside their water tanks, you’ll find an adaptation that allows you to add a filter. This is a smart move if you want to ensure that the water used for your coffee is of the highest quality.
The filter helps reduce the frequency of descaling. However, this does not mean that you will completely eliminate the descaling job. Typically, after about two months or so, the machine will kindly remind you that it’s time for a descaling session. Don’t fret, though, because the process is straightforward and the machine or manual provides clear instructions.
You’ll be happy to hear that you can easily remove the brew group of the DeLonghi Magnifica S and Eletta. After each day of use, a quick rinse under running water does the trick. Don’t toss it in the dishwasher, as that could potentially cause damage.
And if, by any chance, your brew group encounters any issues or breaks down, replacing it is a breeze.
Quick Rundown Of DeLonghi Eletta
- LatteCrema system for automatically preparing milk drinks
- Intuitive and smooth control, with LED panel
- Automatic cleaning of milk and coffee ducts
- Adjustable grinder with 13 positions
- Programmable On/Off
Last update on 2025-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of DeLonghi Magnifica S
- ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH GRINDER: enjoy high-quality coffee in every cup as the machine grinds the beans fresh, right before brewing; includes a 250g bean container and a case for pre-ground coffee
- GRINDING TECHNOLOGY: integrated grinding technology for freshly ground beans with adjustable grinding level; conical steel grinders calibrated with 100% accuracy
- THE FRESHEST COFFEE: the machine's technology grinds the exact amount of beans, leaving no residual coffee in the unit, ensuring your next cup is just as fresh
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: De'Longhi Thermoblock system brews your coffee at the ideal temperature; it does this by only heating the water required for each beverage
- EASY CLEAN: many of the removable components of this coffee machine are dishwasher-safe for an easy care
Last update on 2025-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Delonghi Eletta: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/eletta-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ecam45760b/p/ECAM45760B
- Delonghi Magnifica S: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ecam22-110-b-magnifica-s-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM22.110.B
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.